'Triumph of Love' hits the stage today at Janus

Janus Theatre presents "The Triumph of Love" by Pierre Marivaux starting today through Feb. 24 at the Elgin Art Showcase, eighth floor, 164 Division St., Elgin.

Producing director Sean Hargadon directs this romantic comedy featuring the popular Stephen Wadsworth translation, making it the fourth Marivaux production for the theater.

In this comic confection about love triumphing over reason, a princess adopts the dress and prerogatives of a man, invades the retreat of a rationalist philosopher who despises love, and wins the prince of her dreams. Gender confusion leads to hilarious situations that ensue as the emotional stakes rise.

The play features Rich Baker of Hanover Park, Jeff Dolecek of Chicago, Sean Hargadon of Elgin, Jocelyn Mills of Carol Stream, Joe Schuman of Elgin, Erin Spears-Rizvi of Rockford and Bonnie Wadleigh of Elgin.

The production will be directed by Hargadon assisted directed by Terry Domschke, and stage-managed by Tara Schuman of Elgin. It features original music from Jimmy Lundstrom.

This marks the third and final play in the Marivaux trilogy of love. The Janus Theatre performed "Game of Love and Chance" in the summer of 2001 and "Changes of Heart" in the summer of 2003 -- both productions received critical and public praise.

The play will be performed at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., eighth floor of the Professional Building in downtown Elgin, at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets are $15, $12 student/senior and $10 for groups of eight or more, and can be reserved by calling (847) 931-0637. For details, visit www.janustheatre.org.